Turning Idolator by E. C. Patterson

Act I: Loomings

Scene 1

The scene is set in NYC at the manluv.com on-line cam one on one chat room studios. (We’re on the internet folks). The stage is set with three compartments (chat rooms) each with computer and digital video "cam" and a young scantily clad model in each.

In station one is Guy Wikie, who is naked dancing in front of the camera. Max Ballard is in the second station. He wears a headset and busily types on the keyboard. Robert Sprague - aka "Sprakie", is in the last compartment and is laughing at the computer screen.

There are 3 (4 if it can be managed) off stage cast members, who are "miked" to take the lines of the "chat room" characters. These characters have "screen names" which are used during this scene. The only chat voice to be designated to a principle player is "tdye" - who is Thomas Dye. All the chat room typing is accompanied by an off-stage clicking-effect.

SPRAKIE

Jesus Marie - I can’t believe he asked me that.

(types)

"If you want to see my dick, you need to pay for a One on One."

PAPUPPY

"Papuppy here. Hi sweetie - how’s Robert tonight?"

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"Hi Papuppy. Cool, you know. Getting near the end of my shift."

MAX

(typing)

"You like my smile?"

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "My, my - let’s see that smile"

(Max stands up and presses his face in a big smile to the monitor)

That’s my Max. Love that smile

PAPUPPY

Papuppy says, "Robert - show us your ass!"

BONERMAN

Bonerman says, "Yep! Show it to us now!"

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"Hi bonerman - you know the rules."

MONITOR1

Monitor 1 says, "Guys! Press the One on One button and Robert will be all yours."

(Guy continues his sexy, naked dance all during this segment)

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "Max more than the smile. By the way, I’ll be in New York this weekend."

MAX

(typing)

"So, are you saying something?"

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "Hey Bonerman, how are you this evening."

BONERMAN

"Would be better if you were here, Cumdoggy"

SWEETCA

SweetCA says, "Hey Anyone here from California!"

CREAMPUFF

Creampuff say, "I am"

SWEETCA

Where?

CREAMPUFF

Cupertino

SWEETCA

Cool! C U

MAX (laughing)

(typing)

"To Bonerman - how old are you?"

BONERMAN

Old enough

MAX

(typing)

"No fair! You can see me."

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "Show us more -"

MAX

(typing)

"Teasers. How old Bonerman?"

(Bonerman signs-off"

Shit! He signed off. I scared him away.

(Max gets up, bangs on the wall)

(to Sprakie) Never ask their age Sprakie, it scares ‘em away.

SPRAKIE

Fuck! I could have told you that - you dumb ass newbie!

MAX

I’ll come over there and kick your ass.

SPRAKIE

What’s Guy doing - Awfully quiet over there.

MAX

I hear heavy breathing - he’s earning it, girl - doing the jack-off supreme!

SPRAKIE

Go for it Guy!

GUY

(in ecstasy) Shut your holes! You’ll make me blow this big spender’s dime. He’s been on for 25 minutes - nearing the $200 mark - and I want him again and again . . .

MAX

(laughing) and again. . .

SPRAKIE

(typing) "to Papuppy - Are you still there?"

PAPUPPY

Here, dear. Are you queer or what?

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"I’m a Kinzie 6."

PAPUPPY

What the fuck’s that!

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"Men only. I thought you knew. What do you do?"

PAPUPPY

I do them all.

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "Max, how long do I have to wait here?"

MAX

(typing)

"tell ‘em Monitor 1"

MONITOR 1

Monitor 1 says, "Just press the button for a One on One and Max will be yours."

ASSPOUNDER

(with a french accent) Asspounder say, bon soir Robert.

SPRAKIE

(typing)

Good evening Asspounder.

ASSPOUNDER

Missed anything?

PAPUPPY

To Asspounder from Papuppy. "You missed an exciting show from Robert. He’s the best"

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"Thank you, Papuppy"

(Moaning sounds come from Guy. Both Sprakie and Max laugh wth abandon.)

CUMDOGGY

Cumdoggy says, "Max, what’s so funny?"

MAX

(typing)

"Just felt like a laugh, Cumdoggy."

(he suddenly decides to take his shirt off, slow and sexy)

CUMDOGGY

That’s it, Max. Wonderful. Keep going.

MAX

He’s going for it. Going . . . Going . . . he’s in!

(jumps with joy)

(typing) "Hey Cumdoggy - we can fuck around with this keyboard or for an extra charge - dial me at 1-876-manlove."

CUMDOGGY

Yes sir!

(Max’ phone rings. He answers using his headset)

ASSPOUNDER

Asspounder says, "Robert, how long have you been In this room?"

SPRAKIE

(typing)

"About to sign-off, Asspounder. Phillip will be strutting his stuff soon."

ASSPOUNDER

Oo la la!

MAX

So Cumdoggy, do you have a name?

CUMDOGGY

I do - but let’s not waste time with that crap. Start taking it off.

MAX

Oooo. A real brute. What do you want to see?

CUMDOGGY

Do you have toys?

(Max’s chat room dims - and he begins to get naked and dances during this next segment in semi-darkness. Meanwhile Guy has dressed and fishes out the "Model is On Break" sign and places it in front of the camera. He comes down stage and eats a sandwich).

PAPUPPY

Papuppy says, "Robert, how much longer?"

SPRAKIE

Time’s up, Papuppy.

(typing) "See you all tomorrow."

PAPUPPY

What time?

SPRAKIE

Check the fucking schedule asshole!

(typing) "I think I’m back at the same time sweetie. Have pleasant dreams."

(stands) And don’t swallow any wooden dicks!

(He switches the camera off)

Phillip enters and goes center stage

MAX

Oh Cumdoggy! Wouldn’t you like to be here in my . . . (moans)

PHIL

Wow Guy, he’s really into it tonight!

GUY

Hi Phil. Want some M&M’s.

(Phil declines - he stoops down and kisses Guy - Guy is a bit dim)

(Sprakie comes out of the chat room, sees Phil)

SPRAKIE

Well hon, it’s about time you got your ass out of bed. Was he good-looking - but more important, did he pay well?

(They hug and kiss - Sprakie squeezes Phil’s ass).

Too much lard here? A little more Gold’s Gym could be in order. Too many hours watching Millionaire and wishin’ in one hand and jerking off in the other.

PHIL

It was a busy afternoon.

GUY

Oh, my break’s up.

(offers the rest of his sandwich to Phil - who declines)

SPRAKIE

Guy, you’re always eating and always tempting others. Get thee behind me Satan! I hope those aren’t Max/ M&M’s.

GUY

(laughs) You’re so funny Sprakie.

(he goes back into his chat room, removes the sign and begins to type - his room dims)

MAX

(heavy heated) Oh that’s the way you like it Cumdoggy.

SPRAKIE

All these doggies. The internet’s filled to the brime with dogs. I have a papuppy, and didn’t you have a schlogdoggie or fido or something . .

PHIL

Hungbastard.

SPRAKIE

What does that have to do with dogs?

PHIL

A bastard hound.

SPRAKIE

Fuck you. I’m too tired for this! Come, Tell Sprakie what or who you did today. Come, ‘fess up.

PHIL

Actually, I took a long steamy bath and curled up with a book.

SPRAKIE

A book! Listen to Lady Chatterley here! Back copies of Advocate Personals or just some hard rock candy stuff? A book. The last time I picked up a book it was to call a florist, Jesus Marie - and that was to decorate for a doctor.

PHIL

What ever happened to Doctor Dick of Death!

SPRAKIE

Please - I still can’t sit down. It was Doctor Brian McMoldau of the Gustave McMoldaus, East Hampton’s finest. Well . . I thought I told you this, sis - He was hung like a you-know-what, and rich as Margaret Truman - but he had one flaw - a small flaw. (pause) He was as ugly as a Goddamn monkey’s ass - and although he made it worth my while, there definitely was no call for me to be the permenant houseboy. So, when the Doctor was in, my eyes were shut else I’d start laughing - and giggles would mean no supper - no little spending money at Saks.

PHIL

(laughing) Did you meet on-line?

SPRAKIE

Never date them (points to the chat room) Be polite, get them in the One on One - make fucking penpals out of them and they’ll come back and spend hundreds. Take your commission and go.

PHIL

Sprakie, they’re not all that bad.

SPRAKIE

I forgot - you’ve made the rounds there. Well, tell me. Have you found the sugar daddy of your dreams yet?

PHIL

No. But some of them are interested in more than a one nighter.

SPRAKIE

That’s the problem. Some of them are freaky with the love and romance. And . . . Oh, I know who you’re tinking of. No, no - that one you keep telling me about was not on tonight.

PHIL

Tdye.

SPRAKIE

Tdye - what kinda screen name is that. I can live with Fuckmonger and Asspounder, but Tdye. What’s that Tie Dye - like they did to pants before we were born.

PHIL

I believe it’s Thomas - and he’s a writer - and he’s very gentle in One on One . . .

SPRAKIE

Jesus Marie, you’re pathetique. Listen to me, I love you like my best set of luggage. Don’t fall for that line. He’s probably an old Troll. Or he’s a 10 year old kid using his father’s sign-on - or worse yet, he’s a straight serial killer.

PHIL

(laughing) I doubt that. You’re just jealous because your tricks turn out to be losers.

SPRAKIE

They’re all losers - If you spend money for sex . . . come on hon!

PHIL

Yeah, but look what they get!

(poses - then points to himself)

SPRAKIE

(poses) Remember, I’m Saks - you’re J C Penney’s. But really - I worry about your little romantic notions. It’s ok to make the cash - I taught you well. But when you decide these dudes are worthy of more than that, I caution you! Remember what happened to Jimmy . . .

PHIL

Jimmy was into heavy drugs, man. And I think he was out of control. He’d go with anything that walked.

SPRAKIE

Or crawled. He’d fuck a knot hole and worry about payment later!

(Moaning comes from Guy’s chat room. Phil and Sprakie turn in that direction)

Dumb-ass Boy’s making the bucks tonight. He doesn’t need any words of wisdom from Mama here. I think the dumber they are the more natural common sense comes to them in these matters. But, Jimmy . . .

PHIL

It’s time for work.

SPRAKIE

Be home on time. And . . . call me later.

(pause)

You listening? I don’t want to pick up a paper and see you sprawled across some Goddamn fence in the middle of Wyoming. I love your sorry ass - and worry about these romantic notions you get.

(Phil starts into his chat room)

Call me later - promise me.

(pause)

Hey!

PHIL

I promise.

SPRAKIE

And give my regards to all those boyz out there in the dark - Sprakie’s ready for his close up Mr. Bill Gates

(exits like Norma Desmond)

(The lights come up in all three chat rooms. Phil turns the camera on and strips to shorts and tee shirt. Max has finished his One on One and is dressed now, sitting by the keyboard. Guy is dancing naked in front of the monitor.)

MAX

(typing)

"I’m back boyz and available!"

FUNPUD

Funpud says "Max that was hot."

MAX

(typing)

"Thanks, Funpud! Like what you see in the small box, come have me full screen."

FUNPUD

How’s your cold?

MAX

(typing)

"Oh you sweetie. You remembered. Took lots of crap and its gone. "

PRISSYQUEEN

Prissyqueen says, "Back in the saddle hon!"

MAX

(typing)

"U bet, Prissyqueen! Riding those horses."

MONITOR1

Monitor 1 says, "Max can be yours by pressing the One on One button. He’ll do anything you want."

ASSPOUNDER

Asspounder says, bon soir Phillippe!

PHIL

(typing)

"Hi Asspounder. How’s it going?"

ASSPOUNDER

Fine here in Montreal - cold. Come up and warm me up. How’s your French.

PHIL

(laughing) (typing)

French is fine! And so’s my Greek!

PRISSYQUEEN

Prissyqueen says, "Max, my lad! How long’s your shift."

MAX

(typing)

"Prissyqueen, I don’t know - how long’s yours?"

PRISSYQUEEN

(laughs) Long, longing and ready. You bad boy.

ASSPOUNDER

Asspounder says, "You look so luscious tonite, mon Phillippe!"

PHIL

(who sees Tdye come on-line - typing)

"Evening, Tdye."

TDYE (TOM)

Tdye says "Ah sweetheart. How are you tonite?"

ASSPOUNDER

Well Phillippe, are you ignoring me? You look so luscious tonite.

PHIL

(typing)

"Sorry, Asspounder - thanks for the compliment!"

TDYE

Tdye says "Phil, Can we talk?"

PHIL

Talk. O yes, I want to talk to you. And I’d better do it fast, ‘cause Asspounder’s horny tonight and he’ll beat all to the "button."

(typing)

"Tdye - we could talk."

TDYE

Private chat.

PHIL

(typing)

"We could, but . . ."

TDYE

I know where the "button" is. I’m coming.

PHIL

O yes. O yes. Press it. Press it. He’s in!

(lights dim in the other 2 chat rooms)

(typing)

"Tom. You’re in."

TDYE

Tdye says "Good. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our little session 2 days ago. "

PHIL

(typing)

"Well, you better start commanding me now - as this is costing you a fortune."

TDYE

No discounts?

PHIL

(typing)

"Tempting."

TDYE

Well I just want to talk.

PHIL

(typing)

"Talk or not, I’m getting naked for you."

(Phil quickly strips and sits back down at the keyboard)

(typing)

"Now, I want you to call me - but use the special number"

(typing).

(He puts the headset on - after a minute the phone rings)

Hello - Tom

TOM

Well, well there’s a voice of an angel in that sweetheart’s body.

PHIL

I’m blushing - and you can see it. Wait.

(Phil presses a few keys - and the enter key with bravado)

Since we’re just talking, I went on a break - You can still see me, but all the others can’t. And the meter’s not running.

TOM

Can you do that? Won’t you get in trouble? I don’t want to cause you any problem.

PHIL

No problem. I’m their star attraction. Losing me would be like closing the place down.

TOM

I am greatly honored.

PHIL

Well, not so fast. I can’t be on here like this forever. So, I have a question for you?

TOM

Shoot!

PHIL

We’ve been chatting for 2 weeks. And you’ve seen every part of me.

TOM

Mmmm, and how.

PHIL

And you seem to like what you see.

TOM

I’m here, am I not?

PHIL

Am I not? (laughs) I love the way you speak professor. You know I love to read good stuff.

TOM

So you’ve said.

PHIL

I mean like, Moby Dick

TOM

How appropriate.

PHIL

Bitch! I’m serious. I’ve seen the movie and thought it really . . . really . .

TOM

Wet?

PHIL

Shut up! Compelling. But then I picked up the book. I said to myself, who the fuck could get through this big motherfucker . . .

TOM

(laughs)

PHIL

What are you laughing at? You’re not one of these snobby assholes who find me amusing because I am exploring a brave new world!

TOM

Brave New World? No, I just have never heard Moby Dick referred to as a Mother-fucker.

PHIL

Oh! Well, that’s OK. I started reading it and it’s transformed me. The words are like little paintings - I can’t tell you - much better than the movie.

(pause)

TOM

You know, Melville was gay?

(pause)

You know, the mother-fucker who wrote the book.

PHIL

Are you making fun of me?

TOM

Not fun of you - enjoying the exhuberance of your youth. It’s infectious.

PHIL

That’s nice.

TOM

Have you ever seen a whale?

PHIL

Like in the flesh?

TOM

Like in the aquarium?

PHIL

In books only. Have you?

TOM

Yes, at sea.

PHIL

That’s wonderful. I would love that. Where can you do that?

Tom

At Sea!

(pause)

Actually at Provincetown - they have whale-watching excursions.

PHIL

At P’Town. I’ve never been. Love to go. They say the boyz are hot there and it’s wonderfully gay.

TOM

And now another reason! PLUS they have some great new plays performed there. Have you been to the theatre?

PHIL

Drags and such.

TOM

Ah! I would like to be with you when you see your first live theatrical performance.

PHIL

You would?

TOM

I would! But you know, you never asked me the question you wanted to ask me.

PHIL

Oh yeah. How old are you?

(pause)

TOM

48

(pause)

PHIL

That’s not that old

TOM

Who said it was?

PHIL

No one.

TOM

I mean, I have friends who are still alive at 54.

PHIL

Oh I didn’t mean . . .

TOM

Don’t worry - I know you’re a tad younger than me.

PHIL

A Tad. When you were my age, I wasn’t even born yet!

TOM

Now it’s my turn.

(pause)

Bitch!

PHIL

And are you like old and wrinkly - walk with a gimp and have a hunchback!

(pause)

TOM

Actually, I’m in a wheel chair - and lost a testicle in Vietnam.

 

(pause)

PHIL

I’m sorry.

TOM

(laughs)

PHIL

You bitch! How could I know?

TOM

Let’s not make assumptions. If you want to know what I look like - I could email you a picture - a jpeg . . . .or . . . .

PHIL

That would be nice - maybe a naked one ---- but we could like . . .

TOM

Like what?

PHIL

Meet somewhere

TOM

That would be fine with me. You won’t mind my seeing-eye dog?

PHIL

Cut it out! I need to get back to work. So, do you know where The Imperial Coffee Mug is in the East Village?

TOM

Know it well. What day?

(pause)

PHIL

Tonight?

TOM

Great!

PHIL

I’m off at 9.

TOM

Come as you are. (laughs) I’ll see you then.

PHIL

See you then

TOM

Yes, my sweetheart.

PHIL

Bye

TOM

Bye

(hangs up) (click)

PHIL

Yes! Yes, yes, yes!!

(Max comes out for his break)